WW2 British Medal Group of 4 - Gunner William Ramm, Royal Artillery – Coast Artillery
1939–45 Star
Africa Star, with 8th Army clasp
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939–45
In box of issue with medal slip.
William Ramm was born on 10 January 1908 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and spent his early life in the Tyneside area. By the outbreak of the Second World War he was married and living in Newcastle, later recorded at 62 Springfield Road, Blake Caw, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the address to which his medals were eventually issued. He died in 1965, aged 57.
Ramm enlisted into the Royal Artillery on 12 December 1940, at a time when Britain was rapidly expanding its coastal defences in response to the threat of German invasion. He initially underwent training with the 70th Coastal Defence Training Regiment at the Coastal Artillery Training Centre, where gunners were instructed in the operation of heavy coast artillery, range-finding, fire control, and defence against enemy naval and air threats.
Home Defence and Coastal Artillery Service
On 4 April 1941, Ramm was posted to 539 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery, a unit responsible for manning fixed coastal batteries in the United Kingdom. Coast Regiments played a vital role in defending key ports, estuaries, and industrial centres, operating heavy guns designed to counter enemy warships and protect Britain’s shoreline.
On 19 June 1942, he transferred to 417 Coast Battery, continuing in the coast artillery role. During this period, Britain’s coastal gunners maintained constant readiness, conducting drills, live firing exercises, and extended watches, particularly during periods of heightened invasion concern.
Overseas Service – North Africa
Ramm’s service overseas began with deployment to North Africa, where British coastal artillery units were tasked with protecting ports, harbours, and supply routes vital to the Eighth Army’s operations against Axis forces. His overseas service in this theatre qualified him for the Africa Star, awarded with the 8th Army clasp, reflecting direct association with Eighth Army operations.
On 15 May 1943, he was posted to Y Coast Regiment, followed shortly after by a transfer on 17 June 1943 to 575 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. This regiment had been formed in North Africa and was responsible for manning A, B, and C coastal works under GHQ Middle East Forces, providing artillery defence for strategic ports and coastal installations. The regiment later absorbed personnel from other coast units and was reorganised during 1943 before being disbanded in November 1944.
Return to the United Kingdom and Final Service
Ramm embarked for return to the United Kingdom on 22 October 1944, as the strategic emphasis shifted away from coastal artillery and towards mobile and infantry roles following Allied successes overseas.
Upon his return, he was posted to 508 (Tynemouth) Coast Regiment on 18 November 1944, a Territorial Army unit with deep local ties to the North East. This regiment manned heavy guns at key defensive positions such as Tynemouth Castle and Frenchman’s Battery, guarding the Tyne approaches.
On 14 February 1945, he transferred to 526 (Durham) Coast Regiment, another TA formation responsible for coastal observation and defence along the North East coastline. As the war drew to a close, coastal artillery units were gradually stood down, and on 1 June 1945 Ramm returned to 348 Coast Battery, Royal Artillery, where he completed his wartime service.
He was discharged on 28 November 1945, Class “A” release.